Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

If you’re looking for a meal that combines rich flavors, creamy texture, and minimal effort, this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta (Easy 30-Minute Dinner!) is the answer. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe balances juicy chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a velvety garlic-Parmesan sauce that will make your whole family ask for seconds.

With just a handful of ingredients and one pan, you can bring a restaurant-quality dinner straight to your table in half an hour. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family meal or entertaining guests, this pasta is guaranteed to impress without keeping you stuck in the kitchen for hours.

Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta (Easy 30-Minute Dinner!)

To make this dish flavorful yet simple, here’s what you’ll need:

For the Chicken:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb), cut into thin strips

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or butter for richer flavor)

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Pasta:

• 12 ounces fettuccine (or penne, spaghetti, or your favorite pasta shape)

• 1 tablespoon salt (for boiling water)

the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 5–6 garlic cloves, finely minced (for bold garlic flavor)

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening)

• 2 cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)

• 1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium recommended)

• 1 ½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

Required Kitchen Tools

To prepare this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta (Easy 30-Minute Dinner!), you’ll need:

• Large pot for boiling pasta

• Large skillet or sauté pan

• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula

• Tongs (for flipping chicken)

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Sharp knife and cutting board

• Cheese grater (for fresh Parmesan)

Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions

Follow these steps for a foolproof pasta dinner:

1: Cook the Pasta

1. Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil.

2. Add 1 tablespoon of salt, then cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.

3. Drain and set aside. Reserve ½ cup pasta water for adjusting sauce consistency later.

2: Season and Cook the Chicken

1. Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels.

2. Season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

3. Heat olive oil (or butter) in a skillet over medium-high heat.

4. Add chicken strips and cook for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp: 165°F).

5. Transfer cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.

3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

1. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.

2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

3. Sprinkle in flour, whisking continuously to form a roux.

4. Slowly whisk in chicken broth, followed by heavy cream.

5. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.

6. Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.

7. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.

4: Combine Pasta, Sauce, and Chicken

1. Add drained pasta directly into the skillet with sauce. Toss to coat.

2. Slice cooked chicken and place it on top of pasta.

3. Add reserved pasta water if sauce is too thick.

5: Garnish and Serve

1. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley or basil.

2. Serve hot with extra Parmesan on the side.

Helpful Tips for the Best Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

• Use fresh Parmesan cheese – Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.

• Cook pasta al dente – It will continue cooking slightly in the sauce, ensuring perfect texture.

• Don’t overcook the chicken – Slice it thin so it cooks quickly and remains juicy.

• Customize the vegetables – Add spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra nutrition and flavor.

• Adjust the sauce consistency – Use pasta water to loosen sauce or let it simmer longer to thicken.

• Serve immediately – Creamy sauces taste best fresh, but you can reheat gently with a splash of milk.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick & Easy – A complete meal in just 30 minutes.

2. Restaurant Quality at Home – Creamy garlic Parmesan sauce tastes gourmet.

3. Family Friendly – Kids and adults love it.

4. Budget-Friendly – Simple pantry staples keep costs low.

5. Customizable – Add shrimp, broccoli, or switch pasta shapes.

Variations of Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta (Easy 30-Minute Dinner!)

• Spicy Kick: Add extra red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.

• Low-Carb Option: Swap pasta for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.

• Seafood Swap: Replace chicken with shrimp or scallops for a coastal twist.

• Vegetarian Version: Omit chicken and add sautéed mushrooms and spinach.

• Bacon Lovers: Add crispy bacon bits to the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. For a richer result, use half milk and half cream.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk.

Q: Can I freeze this pasta?
Cream-based sauces don’t freeze well, but you can freeze the cooked chicken separately.

Q: What pasta works best?
Fettuccine, linguine, or penne hold the creamy sauce beautifully.

Perfect Pairings for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

• Side Dishes: Garlic bread, Caesar salad, roasted asparagus.

• Wine Pairing: Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, or Sauvignon Blanc.

• Dessert: Tiramisu, chocolate lava cake, or lemon sorbet for a refreshing finish.

Conclusion: A Must-Try Dinner Recipe

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta (Easy 30-Minute Dinner!) is the ultimate solution for weeknight cravings. With minimal effort, you’ll have a comforting and indulgent dish that tastes like it came from your favorite Italian restaurant.

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